Core Insights - The article compares Owens Corning (OC) and James Hardie (JHX) to determine which stock is more attractive to value investors [1] Valuation Metrics - Owens Corning has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while James Hardie has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - OC has a forward P/E ratio of 11.25, significantly lower than JHX's forward P/E of 23.81 [5] - The PEG ratio for OC is 1.95, compared to JHX's PEG ratio of 4.79, suggesting OC is more reasonably priced relative to its expected earnings growth [5] - OC's P/B ratio is 2.73, while JHX has a P/B ratio of 7.24, further indicating OC's relative undervaluation [6] - Based on these metrics, OC has a Value grade of A, whereas JHX has a Value grade of D [6] Earnings Outlook - OC is noted for its improving earnings outlook, which enhances its attractiveness in the Zacks Rank model [7]

Core Insights - James Hardie Building Products Inc. has entered into a three-year exclusive agreement with M/I Homes, making it the sole supplier of siding and trim products for the home builder [1][2] - This agreement solidifies a decade-long partnership, ensuring that Hardie® products will be standard in new M/I Homes where hard siding is used [2][3] Company Overview - James Hardie is a leader in North American exterior home building products, specializing in fiber cement solutions that offer durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal [6] - The company employs over 3,700 individuals in North America and is committed to an inclusive culture and Zero Harm principles [6] Product Features - Hardie® siding and trim products are noncombustible, pest-resistant, and designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, providing enhanced protection and durability for homeowners [3][4] - The products come in a wide range of colors and styles, catering to various design preferences from traditional to ultra-modern [3][4] Strategic Vision - James Hardie's vision is to inspire innovative design and construction practices in communities, aiming to deliver high-quality, climate-resilient homes through this collaboration with M/I Homes [4]

Core Insights - James Hardie Building Products Inc. has launched the James Hardie™ ALLIANCE, a program aimed at providing business support to residential contractors, enhancing their connection with homeowners and improving their operational efficiency [1][2]. Group 1: Program Overview - The James Hardie™ ALLIANCE offers exclusive access to resources such as training, marketing support, and homeowner referrals to help contractors succeed [1][2]. - The program is designed to assist contractors in achieving their business goals, whether it be expanding their business or streamlining operations [2]. Group 2: Member Benefits - Members can access a redesigned digital portal featuring personalized accounts, comprehensive training courses, and industry-leading marketing resources [2]. - Additional benefits include exclusive discounts on tools and services, as well as the opportunity to earn Hardie™ Rewards Points for business resources [2]. Group 3: Tiered Benefits - Contractors advancing to the top three tiers of the program receive added benefits such as a tier logo for credibility, direct homeowner referrals, and enhanced marketing support [3]. - A directory listing on the James Hardie™ ALLIANCE contractor locator is also provided for increased visibility to homeowners [3]. Group 4: Homeowner Focus - The program is designed with homeowners in mind, facilitating easier connections with trusted contractors within the network [4]. Group 5: Company Commitment - James Hardie emphasizes its dedication to supporting homeowners in their re-side experience and providing high-quality products [5]. - The investment in the James Hardie™ ALLIANCE represents a significant step in advancing the company's mission [5].

Group 1 - The building materials sector has faced significant challenges over the past year due to economic uncertainty and rising interest rates [1] - The overall performance of the industry has been impacted, reflecting broader economic conditions [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide specific financial data or performance metrics related to individual companies within the building materials sector [1] - There are no mentions of particular investment opportunities or risks associated with specific companies in the sector [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net sales were 4% below last year's record second quarter, at just under $1 billion globally [30] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $263 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 27.4% [31] - Adjusted net income in the quarter was $157 million, modestly ahead of expectations [31] - Year-to-date, operating cash flow generated was $364 million, with $225 million invested in capital expenditures [46] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America net sales declined 5% in the quarter, primarily driven by a 7% decline in volume [35] - Asia-Pacific net sales rose 1% in US dollars, but decreased 2% in Australian dollars, primarily due to a 10% decrease in volumes [39] - Europe net sales were roughly even with the prior year, but decreased 1% in euros [43] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America shipped 717 million standard feet in the quarter, near the midpoint of guidance [35] - Asia-Pacific saw low single-digit volume growth and mid-single-digit sales growth in Australia and New Zealand [40] - European markets remain challenged, particularly in Germany, with a gradual improvement anticipated [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on investing across the value chain to capture repair and remodeling opportunities as affordability pressures moderate [14] - A commitment to zero harm and sustainability is emphasized as foundational to the company's operations [20][21] - The long-term aspiration includes growing North America revenues by double-digits and expanding EBITDA margins by 500 basis points [59] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects demand to meaningfully recover in both new construction and repair and remodel end markets as affordability conditions improve [11] - The company is planning for recovery and growth in both repair and remodel and new construction [57] - Management remains confident in the ability to expand product reach and capitalize on market growth opportunities [58] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $75 million of stock during the quarter, completing a $300 million repurchase program [31][49] - Capital expenditures for FY '25 are now anticipated to be between $420 million and $440 million, down from a previous range of $500 million to $550 million [48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Planning assumptions for FY '26 regarding price increases - Management is still working with customers on price increases and targets a mid-single-digit increase annually [64] Question: Cost assumptions and SG&A expectations - SG&A control has been good, and management will adjust spending as necessary while maintaining long-term investments [66] Question: HOS savings contribution to performance - HOS discipline has contributed positively to EBITDA margin despite raw material challenges [72] Question: Volume expectations for North America - Management expects December quarter volumes to be above September quarter, driven by customer buying in anticipation of growth [86] Question: Impact of the Philippines exit on Asia-Pacific - Year-over-year APAC volumes are expected to be down about 30% in the second half due to the exit from the Philippines [93] Question: Price realization and market performance - ASP is expected to trend up for the full year, with management confident in outperforming market trends [95][96]

James Hardie Industries plc (JHX) reported second-quarter fiscal 2025 results, wherein adjusted earnings per share (EPS) and sales declined from the year-ago period, given lower volumes due to weak demand in North America and Europe.Stay up-to-date with all quarterly releases: See Zacks Earnings Calendar.Shares of this leader provider of high performance, low maintenance building products and solutions lost 2.75% during the trading session yesterday.Despite volume and margin pressures across key markets, Ja ...

Company announces progress in business integration, product resiliency and community impact SYDNEY and CHICAGO, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX; NYSE: JHX), ("James Hardie" or the "Company"), a leader in providing high-performance, low-maintenance building products and solutions, and a company inspiring how communities design, build and grow, today released its latest annual sustainability report detailing progress across the four primary pillars of the company's environm ...

T I urfinguss Please note all $ figures in $AUD, not $USD, unless otherwise stated. Introduction It's no secret that the economy has been weak, particularly for those companies that sell high-ticket or discretionary products like cars, luxury goods, and vacations. As consumers tighten their belts, these businesses are facing reduced demand and increased pressure to offer discounts or incentives to maintain sales, which can further strain their financial stability. The building materials space has been no ex ...

- U.S. leading hard siding company becomes exclusive siding and trim supplier for nation's fifth largest homebuilder - CHICAGO, Aug. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- James Hardie Building Products Inc. (James Hardie), a subsidiary of James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX; NYSE: JHX) and a North American leader in home-building products, today announced a multi-year exclusive agreement with Meritage Homes (NYSE: MTH), the fifthlargest public homebuilder in the United States. The exclusive agreement bolsters the exist ...

The house-building product company's addressable end market is getting weaker. Shares in James Hardie Industries (JHX 0.32%) declined 15.1% in the week through Friday morning. The negative result came when the fiber cement siding and fiber gypsum company reported disappointing fourth- quarter earnings. A value opportunity? The move is particularly notable because it contrasts the stock price move of its engineered wood siding and oriented strand board (OSB) rival Louisana-Pacific (LPX 0.12%). The difference ...